Re: Contractors - It wouldn't surprise me if the government threatened contractors with the loss of government bids, licenses, etc. if they don't accept this project. Somebody will come forward and do it out of greed or fear or both. However, there could be a lot of on-sight sabotage or work stoppage before it gets done.

Not only Political Correctness, but a massive about of Political Stupidity.

Bloomberg should resign over this one.

Not only that, but this is one of the most expensive/valuable locations in the world, and they're allowing a tax-exempt Muslim religious building there? There is no way they'd ever let a new Christian church or Jewish synagogue be located there if for no other reason than the millions of taxes they wouldn't get.

It's bad enough we have enemies all over the world, but we have useful idiots and enemies within.

We are so f'ed.

BTW, I'd like to build a Hooters, a Famous Dave's, a gay bar and a strip joint right across the street from the mosque. Think I could get a permit?

As much as I've enjoyed your work these past several years, this is the last day I'll be following your blog. I'm sure you'll do fine without me since you certainly seem to be a lot of bigots in your fanbase who eat this kind of stuff up, but I've no interest in associating with them.

What is interesting is that I have been on this site for several years and I cannot recall a single post by "Stormy Dragon" Now that this person, or entity, has decided to tell us all to "kiss off", we get a post calling us all bigots. I am sure Stormy Dragon will come back several times in the next few days to read our responses. Let's hope Story Dragon will do us all a favor and leave our country as well. I'll end with a quote from one of Jack Nicholson's greatest lines, "You can't HANDLE the truth!"

As much as I dislike religionists (especially radicals), I think it is within the muslims' right to build a mosque in New York, just as radical Jews or Christians or Hindus have the right to construct their holy buildings. Or perhaps if some Fascists/Nazis/Socialists/Communists would like to build a meeting club, they should have the same rights as the rest of us to build a Conservative or Capitalist club.

If we start banning certain peoples' rights simply because they have certain ideas, then you have essentially realised 1984's "thought crime" scenario... and if it is okay to ban ideas, then any powerhungry politicians will have a field day sinking the USA into dictatorship.

As I see it, if the mosque can be proven to give "aid and comfort" to the enemy of which the USA is currently at war (that is: radical muslim groups), then naturally it should be closed. But until such evidence arises (if it does), the mosque should get the go-ahead.

And yes, if someone is up for starting a strip-club across the street, I am all for it!

Wejer: There are mosques all over this country. I haven't heard any arguments against their right to build a mosque. The problem is with their choice of sites. This seems to be a deliberate "in your face" action and is being done without consideration for the victims, their loved ones, New York City, and our country.